Their return would be critical as the Spurs try to nail down home court advantage during the playoffs after losing their last four games. All four players did not see action in the Spurs’ 100-92 home loss against Portland Monday night.

“After that game, nobody felt good about it,” Splitter said. ” But I think the best is that Timmy is better, Manu is better, Tony is better, Dice is also. I think we can wish for the best today and (hope) for a nice day tomorrow.”

The Spurs remain 3 ½ games ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers for the top seed in the Western Conference and 3 ½ games ahead of the Chicago Bulls for the league’s best record. That record has brought a sense of urgency to the Spurs with eight games remaining in the regular season, Splitter said.

“We’re coming to the time that every game is important,” said Splitter, who is averaging nine points and eight rebounds per game over his last six contests. “We have to keep the pace of the game and be ready for the playoffs.”